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Press Release: Reporting copper theft

July 18, 2014

The theft of copper and other metals, according to research by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), has been on the rise in the US since 2009. Victims across the nation are finding items like pipe, wire, tube, line, roof, and coil missing and likely sold by suspects in an attempt to make financial gain.

The Riley County Police Department has responded to and initiated investigations into several of these thefts in the Manhattan and Riley County area over the past years and is now seeking out victims who may have left these thefts unreported.

“Reporting a crime to police is extremely important. Even if you consider the crime to be minor, we use that information to help determine patterns. This offers us the opportunity to not only know what is going on in our community, but also link these crimes together if appropriate.” –Public Information Officer Matthew Droge.

If you have become a victim of a copper theft in the past 30 days, or other crime in the Manhattan and Riley County area please contact RCPD at 785-537-2112 to speak with an officer. If you have information about the theft of copper or the sale of stolen property contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Those choosing to use the Crime Stoppers service can remain anonymous and could qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

The Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers can be reached by phone at 785-539-7777 or online at www.ManhattanRileyCountyCrimeStoppers.com. iOS and Android users can also submit tips from their phones or tablets by downloading the free “TipSubmit Mobile” app.